Violet, LA : Meraux man killed in crash with tractor-trailer at East St. Bernard Highway on Wednesday morning, July 6, 2016

State Police troopers are investigating a crash in Violet that took the life of a Meraux man Wednesday morning (July 6). Alton Peters, 48, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred at East St. Bernard Highway and Francke Place, said Trooper Melissa Matey, spokeswoman for the agency.

Peters was driving westbound on St. Bernard Highway about 7:30 a.m. in a 2008 Infinity G35 when his car drifted into the eastbound lanes, Matey said. A Waggaman man driving a 1997 Peterbilt tractor-trailer east on St. Bernard Highway spotted Peters car and tried move toward the edge of the roadway to avoid a crash.

But Peters' car hit the truck's back axle, Matey said. Peters was not wearing a seat belt and died of his injuries. The truck driver was not injured.

Investigators aren't sure how fast Peters was driving, but they believe he may have been impaired during in the crash. Troopers found open containers of alcohol in Peters' vehicle, Matey said. Toxicology tests are pending for both drivers.

The crash is still under investigation, but State Police wanted to remind drivers to always wear seat belts and avoid driving while impaired.

Source :
Meraux man killed in crash with tractor-trailer: State Police